Some Texas nursing homes have begun using individualized music playlists with patients who have Alzheimer's and other memory disorders to try to reduce the use of antipsychotic medication.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has selected 32 nursing homes to participate in a pilot project for the Music & Memory program. The goal is to help residents reconnect with the world through specific, music-triggered memories. Family members and nursing home staff will create personal playlists for use on digital music players, such as iPods.

John Jay High School, Northside Independent School District is the winner of the 2016 Essay contest. This video demonstrates students learning while supporting the efforts of Music and Memory.

About Music & Memory

A documentary about Cohen's work, Alive Inside, won the Audience Award at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Clips from the film are available on YouTube and demonstrate the impact a personalized music playlist can have on someone with Alzheimer's or another cognitive impairment.

Cohen's ongoing research has shown:

Residents are happier and more social.

Relationships among staff, residents and family deepen.

Everyone benefits from a calmer, more supportive social environment.

Staff regain valuable time previously lost to behavior management issues.

There is growing evidence that a personalized music program gives professionals one more tool in their effort to reduce reliance on anti-psychotic medications.

Music & Memory Participants

Funding for the Project

DADS is using existing Civil Monetary Penalty funds to certify nursing homes to participate in the program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has approved the pilot.

Participating facilities agree to:

Have a minimum of 15 residents participate.

Expand the initiative in its own facilities.

Participate in monthly educational webinars.

Share data with DADS, including:

the percentage of residents receiving anti-psychotic medication pre- and post-pilot, and

progress made toward the goals, including reductions in anti-psychotic medication usage, decreased falls, and improvements or declines in other CMS quality measures.

Looking For Volunteers to Help With Your Program?

Let future health professionals lend a hand. Two student organizations – Health Occupations of America and Texas Student Nurses Association – have members around the state looking to support your efforts.

Health Occupations of America (HOSA)

DADS is partnering with HOSA to help expand the reach of Music & Memory. HOSA is an organization of high school students who are preparing to enter health care professions. Some of the ways they can provide assistance include:

Adopting a nursing home and developing personalized playlists for residents and load the music onto iPods

Raising funds to help nursing homes become certified Music & Memory facilities, and then working with the nursing homes to develop the program

HOSA chapters across the state are being encouraged to contact nursing homes in their area to discuss how they can help implement Music & Memory. If you don't hear from a chapter, but want to have student volunteers, you can call your local high school and ask to speak with a HOSA Chapter Advisor.